Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has warned MEPs not to be taken in by attempts from republicans to whitewash the IRA’s crimes from Northern Ireland’s history.

During a European Parliament debate on combatting terrorism, he also condemned the imbalance that has seen elderly soldiers being put in the dock for offences that occurred 40 years ago, while IRA terrorist suspects were given letters of comfort and Royal pardons.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Nicholson said:

“When we are talking about combating terrorism we must pay tribute to the men and women who bravely held the line against the terrorist threat.

“During the decades of terrorism in Northern Ireland, the Police and the Army sought to prevent terrorists from plunging Northern Ireland into anarchy and civil war.

“We now see elderly former soldiers being questioned and brought before courts in connection with events from more than 40 years ago. Meanwhile, almost 200 IRA terrorist suspects have been given letters of comfort and others have received Royal pardons.

“Let us look at the facts. Of the deaths in the Troubles, 90% were due to terrorist actions and 10% due to the Police and Army.

“IRA atrocities such as Bloody Friday, Abercorn, Claudy, La Mon, Enniskillen, Warrington and Harrods all deliberately targeted civilians.

“The IRA and their apologists call their terrorist campaign a “war”. In that case, when will they appear in court in connection with these war crimes?

“All terrorism - Republican, Loyalist, Islamist or otherwise - is utterly wrong and must be stopped.

“We must also keep a sense of proportion and ensure that in investigating the past we do not focus disproportionately on the actions of those who sought to keep our communities safe and who suffered grievously in the process.

“I took the opportunity to urge MEPs not to be taken in by Sinn Fein’s cynical and self-serving attempts in the European Parliament and elsewhere, to whitewash the IRA’s crimes from Northern Ireland’s history.”